Route 66

By the 1940s, local mining and railway activity had ceased and the town survived supplying the needs of travellers on the National Old Trails Road, renamed to become the legendary Route 66 in California. Ludlow providing a Motor Court with bungalow cabins, the streamline moderne Ludlow Cafe, a gasoline-service garage, and shade. They operated through the late 1960s. After Interstate 40 was built bypassing town there was little business and most residents departed, leaving ruins of empty buildings and Tamarisk trees that still stand flanking the old highway.[2] Tourists following and exploring historic Route 66 pass through the ghost town now.

Interstate 40

A small "New Ludlow" just to the north at the off-ramps of Interstate 40 was built in the 1970s, and contains two gas stations and a small tire and repair shop, a small motel, and a restaurant and fast-food café.

On January 25, 2014, a truck carrying 76,000 pounds (34,000 kg) of beef ribs caught fire on Interstate 40, blocking westbound traffic for two hours. A San Bernardino County Fire spokesman stated that the fire had "a wonderful BBQ beef rib odor."[3]